How to Make A Quick Small Batch of Ham and Cheese Sliders!
Hi! If you’ve been following me for long you’ll already know this, but for those who are new, welcome to Far From The Farm. I’m Mona, the Brit behind the recipes, learning life and food in the States while sharing our debt-free journey and what’s on the menu in our home today!
Since moving to the States I’ve been on a bit of a food adventure. There are so many foods here that simply weren’t part of my everyday life growing up in Britain, and I’ve loved discovering them, recreating them, and sharing our favorites with you along the way.
These Hawaiian roll sliders are right up there near the top of the list.
There is something so perfectly American about sliders. Tiny cheeseburgers, party trays, game day spreads, church potlucks, family gatherings, holiday appetizers. Sliders seem to appear everywhere, and after trying countless versions over the last few years I’ve come to understand why.
We have a sliders night at least once a month now! Sometimes it’s burger sliders. Sometimes turkey sliders. Sometimes roast beef sliders.
But these ham, Swiss cheese, and tangy mustard sliders are the version we come back to again and again.
Honey ham is one of those ingredients that almost everybody enjoys. It’s easy to find, budget friendly, and already has a natural sweetness that works beautifully in recipes like this.
Swiss cheese brings a mild nutty flavor that melts perfectly into the ham without overpowering it. Combined with garlic, Dijon mustard, Worcestershire sauce, and buttery Hawaiian rolls, every bite feels packed with flavor without needing piles of extra ingredients.
All of today’s ingredients came from our commissary here on base, and they’re staple grocery store ingredients across most of America. That’s another reason I love this recipe so much. No hunting down specialty ingredients. No expensive grocery bill. Just simple ingredients that work together beautifully.
The flavor profile lands firmly on the savory side while still benefiting from the sweetness already built into the ham and rolls.
For this recipe I really do recommend classic King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls if you can get them. The small size, soft texture and slight sweetness are part of what makes these sliders so addictive.
If you’re outside the United States, sweet brioche rolls or soft milk rolls make an excellent substitute and give a very similar result.
One thing that makes these stand out from many slider recipes is the layering.
Instead of a single layer of meat and cheese, each slider gets two layers of folded honey ham and two little pieces of Swiss cheese. It feels a little more substantial, a little more indulgent, and gives you that glorious stretch of melted cheese in every bite.
You can absolutely double this recipe and use a full package of rolls if you’re feeding a crowd. We needed something that matched our real life though, and small batch version serves two people very generously for dinner or works perfectly as an appetizer tray for four people.
As a military family on baby step 2 of our debt free journey, we’re cooking at home far more often these days and trying to be intentional about where every dollar goes.
Recipes like this help because they feel fun and satisfying while still using affordable ingredients. Every meal made at home instead of ordering takeout helps us move a little closer toward our goals.
And just a reminder that if you’re struggling and you need help with managing your budget or starting your own debt free journey then here’s some FREE resources below you may find helpful!
living frugally and fully
free tips and resources to make the most of what you have
As always, these photos are from my real kitchen here in our sweet military base home. No staged lighting or spotless marble counters. Just real life and real food made in a small space. Proof that you can feed your family well without needing a dream kitchen or fancy tools!
So roll up your sleeves and head into the kitchen with me to make these buttery ham and Swiss Hawaiian roll sliders!
Equipment
- Baking sheet or casserole dish
- Bread knife
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Silicone pastry brush
- Knife
- Aluminum foil
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Ingredients
Makes 12 sliders
Serves 2 generously or 4 as appetizers
- 12 King’s Hawaiian Original Sweet Rolls
- 1/4 cup butter (1/2 stick)
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 6 slices Swiss cheese, each slice cut into 4 quarters
- 1/2 lb thin sliced honey ham
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step One
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
Using a bread knife, carefully slice the 12 Hawaiian rolls horizontally so you have one connected top section and one connected bottom section.
Step Two
Place the bottom halves into your baking dish or onto a baking sheet.
Separate the individual rolls slightly, then push them gently back together. This helps them bake as one unit while still pulling apart easily when serving.
Step Three
In a small microwave-safe bowl combine the butter, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce.
Microwave until the butter is fully melted and stir until combined.
Step Four
Using a silicone pastry brush, spread roughly half of the buttery mixture over the cut sides of the bottom rolls.
Make sure every roll gets a little of that garlic mustard mixture.
Step Five
Take roughly half of the ham and fold the slices into loose triangles.
Place one folded piece of ham onto each slider position.
Folding the ham instead of laying it flat creates more texture and helps each slider feel fuller.
Step Six
Take 3 slices of Swiss cheese that have been cut into quarters.
Place one cheese quarter onto each slider.
Step Seven
Repeat with the remaining folded ham slices to create a second layer of ham on every slider.
Top with the remaining Swiss cheese quarters.
Each slider will now have two layers of ham and two pieces of Swiss cheese, creating a perfectly melty center without overwhelming the rolls.
Step Eight
Place the tops of the rolls onto the sliders.
If the tops were not pre-separated, you can carefully cut between them now with a bread knife before baking. Either method works perfectly.
Step Nine
Brush the remaining garlic mustard butter mixture generously over the tops of the rolls.
Try to let some of the mixture drip into the gaps between the rolls for extra flavor.
Step Ten
Cover loosely with foil and bake for 20 minutes in a preheated 350°F (175°C) oven.
Step Eleven
Remove the foil and continue baking for another 5 minutes.
This helps the tops develop a beautiful finish and prevents them from becoming too soft.
Step Twelve
Serve warm while the cheese is still perfectly melted. Enjoy!
Notes and Troubleshooting
Notes
- King’s Hawaiian rolls provide the classic flavor and texture.
- Brioche rolls or milk rolls work well if Hawaiian rolls are unavailable.
- Swiss cheese can be substituted with provolone or mozzarella.
- The folded ham creates better texture than flat layers.
Troubleshooting
My sliders seem dry
Be sure not to skip the buttery topping mixture.
My cheese isn’t melting enough
Cover tightly with foil during the first portion of baking.
My rolls are browning too quickly
Tent loosely with foil and continue baking.
My sliders are falling apart
Allow them to sit for 2 to 3 minutes before serving.
Storage
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F oven until warmed through.
- While technically possible to freeze, these are best enjoyed fresh.
Serving Ideas
- Potato chips
- Coleslaw
- Pasta salad
- Fresh fruit
- Pickle spears
- Baked beans
- Macaroni salad
- Game day snack boards
- Party appetizer platters
- Quick weeknight dinners
Why You’ll Love This Recipe!
- Easy enough for busy weeknights
- Uses simple grocery store ingredients
- Perfect small batch size
- Great for date nights at home
- Excellent party appetizer option
- Sweet and savory flavor combination
- Two layers of ham and cheese in every slider
- Family friendly
- Budget conscious
- Ready in under 30 minutes
FAQ
Can I double this recipe?
Absolutely. Use a full package of Hawaiian rolls and double all ingredients.
Can I use a different cheese?
Yes. Provolone, mozzarella, and mild cheddar all work well.
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
You can assemble them several hours ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.
Do I have to use honey ham?
No. Black forest ham, smoked ham, or deli ham all work nicely.
Can I make these for a party?
Definitely. Simply double or triple the recipe as needed.
The Best Ham, Swiss Cheese and Tangy Mustard Hawaiian Roll Sliders Recipe!
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Slice the Hawaiian rolls horizontally into one connected top section and one connected bottom section.
- Place the bottom halves into a baking dish or onto a baking sheet.
- In a small bowl combine the butter, garlic, Dijon mustard, and Worcestershire sauce. Microwave until melted and stir well.
- Brush half of the butter mixture over the cut side of the bottom rolls.
- Fold half of the ham slices and place one folded piece onto each slider position.
- Place one quarter slice of Swiss cheese onto each slider.
- Repeat with the remaining ham and remaining Swiss cheese quarters.
- Place the tops of the rolls onto the sliders.
- Brush the remaining butter mixture over the tops of the rolls.
- Cover with foil and bake for 20 minutes.
- Remove foil and bake for another 5 minutes.
- Serve warm.
Notes
- Brioche rolls or milk rolls can be substituted for Hawaiian rolls.
- Provolone or mozzarella can be used instead of Swiss cheese.
- For a larger crowd simply double the ingredients and use a full package of rolls.
- These sliders are best served fresh and warm.
Storage
- Store leftover sliders in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat in a 325°F/175°C oven for 8 to 10 minutes or until warmed through.
- While they can be frozen, the rolls tend to lose some of their texture after thawing, so these are best enjoyed fresh.
Related Recipes
- Planning a party spread? Browse all our Appetizer Recipes!
- Looking for more family meal inspiration? Explore our Dinner Recipes!
- Need something for grazing boards or after-school bites? Check out our Snack Recipes!
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
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The Takeaway
Some recipes earn a permanent spot in the rotation very quickly!
These sliders use simple ingredients, come together fast, and feel a little special despite being made from everyday grocery store staples.
The combination of sweet rolls, savory ham, melted Swiss cheese, and that garlicky mustard butter works beautifully every single time.
If you’re looking for an easy dinner for two or an appetizer people disappear surprisingly quickly, give these a try.
What to Try Next?!
Share & Rate This Recipe!
If these Hawaiian roll sliders make it onto your menu, tap the stars on the recipe card and leave a quick review below! I love hearing which recipes become repeat favorites in your homes too!
Last update on 2026-06-09 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
